1.1- FOREGROUND- The present invention, developed in cooperation and following the suggestions of expert hair fashion stylists, is related to a system for the production of air, necessary for the contemporaneous operation of drying and modelling of the hair. Precisely, the invention here described is not only referred to a single device, but also to a complete system arranged in a way to allow the application, the modular extension and the arrangement, to the various professional and non-professional necessities.
1.2- THE EXISTING PRODUCTS- At the state of the art, some kinds of devices and plants have been known for a long time, and the most known are inspired to the traditional hair-dryer conception 1 (fig. 1), based on the generation of blown air with an electric motor 2 (fig. 1) and a fan 3 (fig. 1); blown air that is then heated by means of an electric heater 4 (fig. 1), and directed in proximity of the hair 5 (fig. 1) at a certain distance from them, through a duct 6 (fig. 1). A point to take note of: the principle and the devices for drying hair for domestic and for professional use are substantially the same.
1.3- THE TREND OF THE TRADITIONAL MARKET- A great improvement of the performances of hairdryers has been reached thanks to the technological development, and thanks to the introduction of electronics; at the same time, a very high level of installed power has been reached (some versions reach 1500 W), and consequently the use of these devices at home or in professional sites, without specific power supply contract, became impossible, especially if contemporaneous with other traditional electrical tools. Moreover, a not completely logic path has been followed during the past technological development; in fact, the technological evolution has attempted a problematical equilibrium among the quantity of hot air, the dimensions, the lightness and the noise emissions of the hairdryers. Moreover, what came out during the development of this project, was the fact that the suggestions coming from the professional area were not seriously taken into account, and not inserted into the products. Probably for these reasons, this kind of development has now reached the top of its maturity.
1.4- NEGATIVE POINTS OF THE EXISTING PRODUCTS- The following human and technological negative points, typical of the mass market products, are generated:

• 1.4.1- FORMS OF POLLUTION AND PROFESSIONAL DISEASES- Powerful and heavy motors have been installed inside the most powerful hairdryers; consequently, an increase of fatigue for the professional operator has been generated, and professional diseases in the long time have appeared (i.e.: in order of importance, arthritic shoulder diseases, sinew diseases, wrist diseases). At the same time, attention about the general human impact of the new technologies has grown up for social reasons among professionals and customers; and consequently, the attention for their negative aspects (i.e.: the acoustic and electromagnetic pollutions) that in the case of the hairdryers could reach dangerous values, has grown up too. In fact, the noise generated by the electric motor and by the fan (that reach the 20000 - 30000 rpm), make it difficult for a customer to communicate with people around; this because the noise tends to isolate the persons, and reduces possibility of dialogue. At the same time, as it happened for example in the case of the first generation of portable phones, cases of diseases related with the high electromagnetic emissions appeared.
• 1.4.2- POOR LIFETIME OF THE COMPONENTS- For economic reason, the kind of electric motors used in the traditional hair dryers, belongs to the "with-brushes" technology 7 (fig. 1); moreover, due to the required high performances, problems of rapid consumption of these components frequently appear. Consequently, the average lifetime of a traditional professional hairdryer (costs: from 35 to 80 euros) is reduced to 6 /12 months.
• 1.4.3- DAMAGES TO THE STRUCTURE OF THE HAIR- In a traditional hairdryer, the movement of an important quantity of air (higher than 100 litres per min), with exit temperature higher than 100 °C (very close to the human acceptable limit) is created in consequence of the high level of electric power installed; these values, that does not seem suitable for the treatment of such delicate part of the body close to the brain, create heavy heat dissipation on the human body, and represent a waste of power. Moreover, the fact that the hair drying and modelling operation, at the moment, only depends on the professional skills of the hairdresser must be considered; and this consequently means that important damages, might be easily produced by an inexperienced hairdresser, as consequence of the excess of installed power mentioned above.
• 1.4.4- "COLD JET" TREATMENT- From the technical and professional point of view we have to take into account that the products on the market, at the moment do not have a good and efficient "Cold jet" device; this device, that is of secondary importance for the non-professional use, becomes very important in case of professional destination. In fact, also in the professional devices, at the moment the "Cold jet" is simply obtained by the switching-off of the electric heater 4 (fig. 1). Unfortunately, that solution does not seem efficient both under the technological and under the hair treatment points of view; in fact, the "Cold jet" should guarantee the long duration of the shape of the hair heated and modelled with brushes and combs. Practically, the "Cold jet", in the same way has happens with treatment technology of metals, would give a final "temper effect" to the hair, following an adequate "curve of temper treatment" 8 (fig. 2); treatment that obviously increases its effect, if rapidly completed in few seconds after the end of the heating operation. Consequently, the traditional hairdryers cannot give this result, because a too slow decrease of the air temperature inside the hair dryer duct is performed with this kind of operation. In fact, a longer time is required to slow down the air flowing through the hot electric heater 4 (fig. 1) from the 100 °C to the ambient temperature. Moreover, the ideal "Cold jet' air temperature to perform the "temper" of hair correctly should be lower compared to the ambient temperature, and this has been achieved and demonstrated with tests. Again the traditional technology, cannot give this kind of results for the reasons mentioned above.

• 1.5.1- THE AIRPLUS - ATOTEC SYSTEM- This system is proposed in two main versions; the first one produced by Atotec (Turin), 10 (fig. 3) - (Turin 1995, patent application no. TO 1995A000919, ref. 5 of the list). In this version (selling price: about 5000 euros), the air generator has an important size (installed power: around 10 kW - dimensions: about 0,5 cubic metres), an it is composed by one motor and one fan (placed inside a silenced box for air cooling recirculation), and can serve up to 7 different job positions.
• 1.5.2- THE HAIR-TECH SYSTEM- In the case of the system produced by Hair-tech s.r.l. - Trevignano (TV), 11 (fig. 4) - (patent application no. TV 2002U000007, ref. 12 of the list, that only protects the swivel joint for the air distribution into the final part of the piping), the selling price is around 700 euros, and one single motor and one single fan serve the correspondent job position; moreover, the power (600 W) adsorbed by each electrical heaters 4 (fig. 4) must be added. Consequently, the power adsorbed by each job position varies from 1800 W to 2000 W; this means that the whole system requires a total power requirement of 8 kW for a traditional hairdresser's shop with 4 job positions, which is very high. Moreover, other investments for the installation of the piping inside the building must be added.
• 1.5.3- DIFFICULTIES IN MANAGING THE VARIATION OF THE AIRFLOW AND OF THE AIR PRESSURE- The system described above gives the advantage of not stopping the whole activity of the entire hairdresser's shop in case of failures; at the same time, simplicity and equilibrium are the result under the point of view of the electronic management of the parameters by the system control. And this because the airflow and the air pressure sent toward each job position, are not influenced by the switching on or off of the other job positions. What follows is that the insertion into the system of complicated software and hardware electronic controls for the continuous corrections of the motor speed are not required. In any case, possible corrections would not arrive to the job position with the needed precision, due to the length of the piping and to the variability of the volume of the hot air, and would create delays, confusions and rejection of the new technologies.
• 1.5.5- DIFFICULTIES OF INSTALLATION INSIDE THE HAIRDRESSERS' SHOPS- It's important to notice that, in most of the hairdressers' shops, room for a big air generator (or for 3 or 4 little groups) is not always easy to be found; moreover, residual noises (over 60 Db), and vibrations as a consequence of the high speed (more than 20000 rpm) are emitted by this kind of air generators. At the same time, room for an adequate air-cooling exchange must be guaranteed. Please note that the "Centralized power supply" concept, has a high innovative meaning if applied in the industrial field, but not necessarily if applied in the haidressers' shops; and this because the hairdressers' shops are in general placed in traditional buildings, and in areas with high density of inhabitants. In these situations, aesthetic difficulties, or noises for the neighbours often appear; therefore, the collocation of a "centralized power supply" out of these buildings became almost impossible.

• Also in the hairdressing sector, as well as in many other sectors, both on the customer's and on the hairdresser's side, the attention for medical and aesthetic aspects are growing.
• At the same time, social attentions for other aspects like the hair health, the noise, the electromagnetic radiations, the radiation pollution due to ion, the professional diseases etc., are growing too.
• As a consequence of the negative points described, present in the traditional hairdryers, the operators in the field now require lightweight, silent, cheap hairdryers, easy to install in the shop, easy to use and easy to maintain (in the case of female hairdressers).

The problems described above are solved according to the present invention by a system having the features of claim 1. Furthermore detailed embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

Furthermore, various apparatuses have been proposed for drying and modelling the hair.

US-A-3 698 402 Hair curling device (ARNESEN BERNHARD A) 17 October 1972 (1972-10-17), discloses a hairdryer with a special tool with passages for air inside, for hair curling.

US-A-4 676 260 Total hair care pistol (PAULHUS DOROTHY A [US] ET AL) 30 June 1987 (1987-06-30), discloses a hairdryer shaped as a pistol, with comb and brushes with passages for air inside, with quick connection means to the hairdryer itself.

GB-A-2 082 058 Brushing and curling appar..., (SAHM JUERGEN) 3 March 1982 (1982-03-03), discloses a plurality of brushes for hair connected to a manifold, with passages for air inside and around the brushes themselves; moreover, is disclosed a swivel joint placed near the handle of said brushes.

US-A-6 052 915 Hands-free portable.. (TURNER CHERYL G [US]) 25 April 2000 (2000-04-25), discloses a wearable hairdryer cap, in which the cap itself is connected to the hairdryer by means of a hose.

DE 33 19 403 A1 Haarbehandlungsgerat... (POGETTI PIETRO) 29 November 1984 (1984-11 - 29), discloses a hairdryier and brush for hair with passages for air inside, connected with a hose, and also able to be connected with a vacuum device.

US-A-5 640 781 Apparatus for styling... (CARSON GARY PATRICK [US]) 24 June 1997 (1997-06-24), discloses a kind of adjustable support for hairdryer, to be installed on the wall, with a wireless control for the hairdryer itself.

FR-A-2 215 183 Appareil pour le sechage... (CAMMAN MICHEL [FR]) 23 August 1974 (1974-08-23), discloses a brush for hair with passages for air inside.

US-A-4 376 441 Hair treatment applicator... (DUNCAN THEODORE [US]) 15 March 1983 (1983-03-15), discloses a brush for hair with special teeth and passages for air inside.

US-A-3 057 364 Hair drying implement... (FREEDMAN LAWRENCE I ET AL) 9 October 1962 (1962-10-09), discloses a brush for hair with passages for air inside, which presents a cover in shape of a half cylinder installed on the top.

The above-mentioned documents refer to tools (brushes, combs, caps, curling devices), with passage of air inside, or to devices for suspension of hairdryers.

US 2003/234100 A1 Personal dryer (ROSS SHERRY [US]) 25 December 2003 (2003-12-25), the closest prior art, represents an evolute electronically controlled device, that performs the drying of the entire person; its important characteristic is represented by the distribution of air at different temperatures on the different parts of the body, comprising the head. Said different levels of temperature of the air sprayed at each exit port are controlled by sensors means; that means are thermocouples, are placed inside the housing of the device, and cooperate in feedback with the electronic control. Other sensors, specifically the pressure control valves and the air volume control valve, are also placed inside the housing to control the air volume and the pressure of the air, in feedback with said electronic means.

However, this document do not disclose features for the specific drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair; furthermore, this document discloses sensors or thermocouples that only measure the temperature of the air in the housing, and not other kind of physical - chemical values; particularly, these sensors do not measure the temperature, the humidity, the brightness directly on the hair, what should be needed to avoid damages on the hair.

It is to be noted that, in this document, the safety limits controlled by the said thermocouples, are only referred to the temperature of the air produced inside the housing and expelled by the exit ports, and controlled by said thermocouples sensors placed inside the housing.

This document discloses cold air generation system for the general use on the human body and not specific means including the use of cold air for the efficient fixing and improving of the modelling operation of the hair; moreover, the tools disclosed in this document are not able to turn around their own axis.

US 2003/234100 A1 discloses pre-set functions that enables the user to program and/or select a drying program; this drying program is not automatically chosen by the system, according with data automatically acquired on the hair. Again, this document gives information about the dimension and the different possible installations of the system itself, and specifies only that "graphical user interface ... sits flush with the wall surface".

The present application differentiates from said prior art document, principally because includes sensors means that, in feedback with the own electronic control, read physical / chemical values (humidity, temperature and degree of reflection), directly on or near the hair. In this way, the quality of the air sprayed on the hair, is continuously monitored and adapted in feedback, to avoid damages to the hair themselves. Fig. n. 2- DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 1 Traditional hair dryer 2 Example of "Temper curve" for steel 3 Multi-users centralized system 4 Innovative system, version 1 5 Innovative system, version 2 6 Tools with inner air ducts 7 Rowenta and Babyliss innovative devices 8 Scheme of innovative system for contemporaneous hair drying and modelling 9 Functional scheme for system controlled by means of sensors 10 Thermograph of the hair and image of the head 11 Hair control with infrared and micro-waves sensors 12 Example of microprocessor (TAG Technology) integrated into the tools 13 "Tangential" and "Rotating cage" fans (top: view from I and from II in fig. 13) 14 Brushless motor scheme 15 Piping (bottom: section III of fig. 15 - details of the inner cables) 16 Main components of the diffuser (bottom: kind of handles) 17 Instructions for use of the diffuser (bottom: section IV of fig. 17, handling zone) 18 Series of tools in shape of brushes and combs 19 Waves modelling tool "ferro Marcel" style (bottom, section V of fig. 19) 20 Flat ironing tool (bottom: two views from VI of fig. 20, with and without rolls) 21 Spiral ironing tool 22 Curler installation tools for waves modelling 23 Cap for hair drying and modelling operation 24 Scheme of the quick-change tools connection on the diffuser 25 "Cold jet" device with cold compressed air duct inside the diffuser, with dedicated compressor and refrigerator 26 "Cold jet" device with cold compressed air duct outside the diffuser, with dedicated compressor and refrigerator 27 "Cold jet" device with cold ventilated air duct outside the diffuser, with air piping derived from the main air generator, with dedicated refrigerator 28 Multi-purpose tool, "Conca" style; bottom: section VII of fig. 28, and example of application on the hair 29 Functional scheme of "anti-stress" control principle 30 Scheme for mode of use 31 Scheme of the system in the "ceiling" version 32 Scheme of the system in the "wall" version 33 Scheme of the system in the "armchair" version 34 Scheme of the system in the "teaching fashion school" version 35 Scheme of the system in the "portable" version, for competitions and exhibitions 36 Block diagram of the Central Unit 37 Scheme of the dimensional and physical-chemical data acquisition from the hair 38 Scheme of preparation, delivery and diffusion of products on the hair 39 Scheme of work of an electronic controller (Hardware) - Example 40 Scheme of the flow chart of an electronic control program (Software) - Example 41 Possible recycling of the traditional hairdryers

3.1- MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE SYSTEM- The application described here below only represents an example of the principles claimed in the patent application, and is referred to an innovative system that allows the contemporary drying and modelling of the hair; thanks to calculations, comparing actions, optimizations, iterative verifications and practical tests, the innovative characteristics described below have been obtained. Specifically, every choice has been done with the aim to get the best equilibrium among efficacy, efficiency, simplicity and general economy of the system. The main components of the system are:
The central unit 19 (fig. 8), under the control of the operator, who manages all the functions of the system; this central unit is consequently linked with the sensors 20 (fig. 8), with the high efficiency motor 130 (fig. 8), with the low pressure fan 39 (fig. 8), with the piping 42 (fig. 8), with the diffuser 50 (fig. 8), with the electric heaters 4 (fig. 8), with the tools 52 (fig. 8), with the mini-compressor 21 (fig. 8), with the air refrigerator 22 (fig. 8) and with the "Cold jet" diffuser 23 (fig. 8). In a more completed version, the touch screen 24 (fig. 8) to give inputs and / or to check the functionality of the system is provided; moreover, some of these commands are repeated on the special keyboard placed on the diffuser 50 (fig. 8).
3.2- TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SYSTEM- These are the technical characteristics of the system:

• Control of the degree of completion of the hair drying and modelling activity (i.e.: control of humidity, temperature, degree of reflection of the hair, etc.) performed by means of sensors.
• Quick-change tools and brushes with air ducts inside, to increase the quality and the efficiency of the hair treatment, and to reduce the consumption of energy.
• Air generators placed far from the operators.
• Special silent fan, designed for the production of low air pressure.
• High efficiency "Brushless" electric motor, typically used in the industrial automation field, with feedback for the speed control, electric maintenance free, silent and suitable for installation near the job positions.
• Special soft-touch ultra-light piping.
• Rotating ultra-light diffuser with electric heater inside and operation switches, easy to use, made with special fibres.
• Specific device for the efficient "Cold jet' production.
• Reduction of three times of energy consumption compared to the traditional plants.

• Full control of the air generator, of the electric heater and of the sensors, thanks to a microprocessor and other electronic means of memorization.
• Acquisition of the values that measure the degree of completion of the hair drying and modelling activity by means of sensors.
• Acoustic and / or visual and / or numerical signalling of the values that measure the degree of completion of the hair drying and modelling activity.
• Automatic memorisation of the parameters in use (speed, temperature, humidity...).
• Download, modification and execution of the memorised programs for drying, modelling and treating of the hair (time, speed, temperature and their profiles of variation).
• Easy modification of the programs for drying, modelling and treating of the hair, with switches set on the diffuser.
• Memorization of the programs for drying, modelling and treating of the hair "in progress" in a database, with the definition of identification fields such as "Customer", "Kind of hair", "Diameter of the hair", "Length of the hair", "Density of the hair" etc..
• Data sheet for the download and for the selection of the suitable program for drying, modelling and treating of a specific kind of hair, or for the selection of the most suitable treatment already in memory, or for a crossed selection by name and by kind of related memorised treatments, or for the download of video "demo" (i.e.: as instruction), to be selected according to kind of hair, or to the needed final shape of the hair.

• For installation into the hairdressers' shops with balanced swivel arm (in the ceiling 116 (fig. 31) or in the wall 117 (fig. 32) version), and the armchair 118 (fig. 33) version.
• For installation in hairdressing schools 124 (fig. 34).
• Portable, for professional use in competitions and exhibitions 127 (fig. 35).
• For home usage, in a simplified version.

• Low energetic impact.
• Rapidity and efficacy of the drying and modelling operation.
• General reduction of stress and noise.
• Increased efficacy of the products used for the hair treatment.

• 3.6.1- SENSORS FOR THE CONTROL OF THE HAIR, AND TECHNOLOGY APPLIED-
  As consequence of the high-speed variability and of the high variance of the data to be controlled, crossed controls and redundancy techniques have been applied in the present project; sensors 20 (fig. 8) are in dialogue with the electronic central unit 19 (fig. 8) in three complementary hierarchic modes, activated by the operator. Contemporaneous measure of the same parameters in different areas of the hair has been planned, with the aim to give back to the operator himself, a complete overview of the quality of the drying and modelling activity.
  • MODE 1- Control performed by sensors placed inside the terminal part of tools 52 (fig. 8).
  • MODE 2- Control performed by sensors placed in the special tool 26 (fig. 8) for direct contact measures with the hair, during the combing activity.
  • MODE 3- Control performed by the sensors 27 (fig. 8) placed near the system, and oriented on the job area, for remote measures.
  In each of these modes, an acoustic and / or a visual signal 28 (fig. 9) or other signals are emitted, and / or safety procedures are activated as soon as levels of attention 29 (fig. 9) is reached, which allows to the operator to identify the measurement system that originates the alarm, with the help of either of green, or yellow or red led, (30, 31, 32 fig. 9), which inform that the drying and modelling conditions are normal, near the limits, out of the normal established parameters. Moreover, inside the more evolved "Remote measure system" mode 3, the video-camera system 33 (fig. 10) for the detection of parameters like temperature, humidity etc. could be installed; for example, the company FLIR Systems produces control systems for thermo graphical infrared control, that can visualize the head image with its thermal map 34 (fig. 10) on the video 24 (fig. 8, 10). Moreover, in this way the link among different colours and different temperatures, and the monitor detection of the areas that need more or less treatment is facilitated. As to humidity, two methods for the remote control (infrared 35 (fig. 11) and microwaves 36 (fig. 11)) are known; in the first, which is even more economic, only the detection of the superficial humidity values is permitted, while in the second one the stratified detection 136 (fig. 11) of the humidity value is possible. Thanks to this second option, the continuous and stratified check of a high volume of hair can be easily performed. This system, developed for example by the company ALEPH - Modena and obviously considered safe, has been already used for the control of stratified humidity of cereals stocked in silos in great quantity.
• 3.6.2- SENSORS FOR THE SYSTEM CONTROL- Moreover, in combination with the sensors that control the hair, other sensors 20 (fig. 8) can be supplied for the control of the technical parameters of the entire system (temperature, speed and pressure of the air generated by the fan 39 (fig. 8), air temperature after the electric heater 4 (fig. 8), "Cold jet" air temperature" 23 (fig. 8)).
• 3.6.3- SENSORS FOR THE AUTOMATIC SELECTION- At the same time, other innovative advantages, for example the automatic selection of specific software (without intervention of the operator), have been designed with the aim to get a complete use of the technology of sensors; each tool could have a specific element of identification 37 (fig. 12) inside (for example, a "tag", or intelligent labels with the RFID technology inside, a microprocessor etc.). That tool, when installed on the diffuser 50 (fig. 8, 12), establishes the contact with the receiver 38 (fig. 12), and informs the system about its presence. Consequently, on the bases of the characteristics of the recognised tool, the performances of the program chosen by the operator are automatically set up by the central unit 19 (fig. 8) (for example: small brush = low air volume, normal brush = high volume of air, comb = high temperature); moreover, on the bases of the operative necessities, little alterations of these parameters can be easily produced and memorized by the operator.

• Possible performance of the new automation concepts listed before.
• Compatibility with the market requirements.
• High level of reliability.

• 3.8.1- "BRUSHLESS" MOTOR FOR INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION- This kind of motor, with magnetic components made with the named "Rare hearts", produced for example by Siemens, Bosch (SE 13030 series and similar), is silent and has high and sophisticated dynamic characteristics; for example, both the control of the speed and the motor shaft position are performed by the feedback system 40 (fig. 14) (which is essential for the control of any phase of industrial automation). For these reasons the cost is very high, and, at the moment, not acceptable for the kind of system here described.
• 3.8.2- VARIABLE RELUCTANCE "BRUSHLESS" MOTOR- This kind of motor is considered noisier than the previous ones, especially in the starting phase, but the cost is considerably lower.
• 3.8.3- SILENT AND CHEAP "BRUSHLESS" MOTOR, WITH INNOVATIVE ELECTRONIC AND DRIVING SYSTEM- this kind of motor has been developed by a leading motors producer; it has the same performances as a "Universal" hairdryer motor, and, moreover, offers the advantages of the two kind of "brushless" motors described above; in this case, the motor has been personalized in cooperation with the inventors of the present project, and represents the ideal motor for the system here described. In fact, it has been dimensioned in combination with the special fan that is silent and consequently ready for the installation close to the job positions in the hairdressers' shops.

• 3.12.1- BRUSHES FOR MODELLING 67 (fig. 18) not according to the invention- Built in appropriate diameters and lengths calculated on the bases of the modelling operational requirements, with the inner airflow ducts 66 (fig. 18).
• 3.12.2- SPECIAL COMBS 68 (fig. 18) not according to the invention - With the inner airflow ducts 66 (fig. 18) for the diffusion of air during the combing operations.
• 3.12.3- TOOL FOR MODELLING OF WAVES, "FERRO MARCEL" STYLE 69 (fig. 19)-The lock of hair 72 (fig. 19) is trapped and pressed between the cylindrical portion 70 (fig. 19) and the semi-cylindrical portion 71 (fig. 19); in this way, thanks to the direct hot air 66 (fig. 19) blown among the hair through the inner ducts 17 (fig. 19), a high efficacy modelling operation is obtained. And this especially if compared with the traditional "Ferro Marcel" tool, heated by means of an electric heater and without air inside.
• 3.12.4- FLAT IRONING TOOL 73 (fig. 20)- The lock of hair 72 (fig. 20) is trapped and pressed between two plates 74 (fig. 20) with the inner ducts 17 (fig. 20) for hot air 66 (fig. 20); the lock of hair are aligned by the bristles 75 (fig. 20) and are pinched by the rollers 76 (fig. 20) to perform the flat ironing modelling operation.
• 3.12.5- SPIRAL IRONING TOOL 77 (fig. 21) not according to the invention - The lock of hair 72 (fig. 21) is wrapped around a helicoids profile 78 (fig. 21) with the inner ducts 17 (fig. 21); thanks to the airflow 66 (fig. 21), the modelling operation is completed and fixed.
• 3.12.6- TOOL FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE CURLER FOR WAVES MODELLING 79 (fig. 22) not according to the invention - Curler 81 (fig. 22) is placed and held by the retaining device 82 (fig. 22) on a cylindrical hollow profile 80 (fig. 22) with the inner ducts 17 (fig. 22); in this way, axial and rotational movements of the curler are avoided. At the end of the modelling operation, the button 83 (fig. 22) is pushed by the operator to disengage the diffuser 50 (fig. 22), which leaves the curler just arranged free on the head. With the aim of reducing the installation time, the tool with increased length 84 (fig. 22) for the contemporaneous installation of the series of curler 81 (fig. 22) has been designed; in this way, other curlers could be preinstalled and pre-heated on the tool by the airflow 66 (fig. 22), while the previous installation goes on.
• 3.12.7- CAP FOR DRYING AND MODELLING 85 (fig. 23) not according to the invention - The bag 86 (fig. 23), shaped to be dressed on the head and on the hair 5 (fig. 23) is connected to the diffuser 50 (fig. 23); this diffuser supplies the air 66 (fig. 23) for the drying and modelling operation.
• 3.12.8- QUICK-CHANGE TOOLS SYSTEM 87 (fig. 24) not according to the invention - The quick-change connection system is performed by the combination of the following two mechanisms:
  • The male-female conic coupling system 88 (fig. 24) (special conic profile has been calculated with reference to the friction coefficient between the two parts in touch (preferably "Techno polymer" for medium temperatures)).
  • The safety stud 89 (fig. 24) with release button 90 (fig. 24), for the correct coupling among the diffuser 50 (fig. 24) and the tools 52 (fig. 24).
  Couplings have been studied to guarantee the correct equilibrium among:
  • Robustness of manipulation during the modelling operations.
  • Necessity to avoid wastes of air.
  • Easy handling during installation of the tools and the removing operations.
  If the detection sensors 20 (fig. 8, 24) are installed on such kind of devices, as planned at point 3.6, the necessary quick-change electric connection 91 (fig. 24) for the signal transmission at low voltage from the sensor, or from the sensors 20 (fig. 8, 24) to the central process unit 19 (fig. 8), will be set up consequently on board.

• The technologic quality degree.
• The cost.
• The frequency of use.
• The professional result.
• The kind of drying system used (see point 3.20 - versions).

• 3.13.1- VERSION 92 (fig. 25) WITH COMPRESSED COLD AIR PIPING PLACED INSIDE THE DIFFUSER, WITH SPECIFIC AIR COMPRESSOR- The components are:
  • The air compressor 21 (fig. 25), the optional air cooling system 22 (fig. 25) (liquid nitrogen tech., or electric refrigerator tech., etc.), the compressed air piping (diameter: 5 mm) 93 (fig. 25) placed inside or in parallel to the main piping 42 (fig. 15, 25), the on / off switch 94 (fig. 25) installed on the diffuser 50 (fig. 16, 25).
• 3.13.2- VERSION 95 (fig. 26) WITH COMPRESSED COLD AIR PIPING PLACED OUTSIDE THE DIFFUSER, WITH SPECIFIC AIR COMPRESSOR- The basic components are the same as for the previous version, with the addition of the specific diffuser 96 (fig. 26), that can be included inside the tool 26 (fig. 8, 26) already used for the measurement of humidity.
• 3.13.3- VERSION 97 (fig. 27) WITH VENTILATED COLD AIR PIPING PLACED OUTSIDE THE DIFFUSER, AND WITH DERIVATION OF THE AIR FROM THE MAIN GENERATOR OF AIR - The components are:
  • The system 98 (fig. 27) with piping (diameter: 20 mm) derived from the main ventilated air duct 99 (fig. 27), the optional air cooling system 22 (fig. 27) (liquid nitrogen technology, or electric refrigerator technology, etc.), the specific diffuser 96 (fig. 27) and the on / off switch 94 (fig. 27).
• 3.13.4- INTERCHANGEABLE QUICK-CHANGE AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT- As for the diffuser 50 (fig. 16), due to the similarity of the job operations to be performed or supported, the integration of the "Cold jet" 96 (fig. 26, 27) into the tools 26 (fig. 8) could be arranged (i.e.: Rotating tools with the inner ducts 17 (fig. 28), similar to the ones used for the main diffuser may be provided); at the same time, the quick-change connection system 141 (fig. 28) similar to the described one 87 (fig. 24) could be designed. In case of use of compressed air, a quick-change connection system could be build, by means of the traditional connection systems for compressed air already on the market (produced by companies such as LEGRIS, FASTER etc.). In this case, the necessary quick-change electric connection 91 (fig. 28) for the transmission (at low voltage) of signals from the sensor, or from the sensors 20 (fig. 28) to the central process unit will be also mounted on board consequently.
• 3.13.5- MULTI PURPOSE MODELLING TOOL (NAMED "CONCA") 26 (fig. 28)- By means of the multi-purpose modelling tool named "conca" 26 (fig. 28), a complete and coordinated use of the whole system is achieved; this kind of tool, has been studied both to cover the brushes 67 (fig. 28) to avoid the spreading of hot air 66 (fig. 18) during the modelling operations, and to the contemporaneous measure of the humidity of the hair by means of the sensors 20 (fig. 28). This apparent technical redundancy, can be used in two cases:
  • When the operator, because of the high variability of the parameters to be checked, and for the reasons explained at point 3.17 (choice between continuous or periodic check), does not prefer to use the other forecasted methods of measurement.
  • When the operator needs to acquire more data on a critical area of the hair.
    This important tool, also includes the other sensors 20 (fig. 28) on the upper side 100 (fig. 28), and is used on this side for instantaneous measurements, when the covering of the brushes 67 (fig. 28) is not required. With the aim of facilitating the operations, a series of teeth 101 (fig. 28) has been placed on the tool; as already said, the "Cold jet' system 93 (fig. 25, 28) can also be contained into the named "Conca" tool too.

• The possibility, for the temperature and for the humidity parameters etc., to deeply influence each other.
• The different and specific style of manipulation of each operator.
• The high variability of the starting condition of each modelling cycle.
• The different response to the treatment, due to the different kinds of hair.
  For these reasons, as specified later, the use of the self-learning function is considered, in parallel with the pre-defined "drying and modelling" software; and this with a view to memorize and use the specific ways of use invented time after time by each operator.

• 3.19.1- "MANUAL" MODE 108 (fig. 30)- The operator simply uses the system like a traditional hairdryer; in this way, adequate and safe values of temperature and humidity are guaranteed by the technology of the sensors. Acoustic and / or visual signals 28 (fig. 9) are launched to the operator when the right values of humidity are reached.
• 3.19.2- "MANUAL" MODE WITH SELF-LEARNING FUNCTION 109 (fig. 30)- The memorisation of technical data 110 (fig. 30) (time, air generator speed and acceleration profiles, electric and temperature data of the electric heaters, etc., performed during the job operations) is added to the functions listed in the previous point. With the intention to use them in the future as trace for similar jobs, we suggest the choice of this option for the memorization of peculiar kinds of hair modelling. A specific code 111 (fig. 30) ("Customer name", "Kind of hair", "Length of the hair", "Density of hair" etc.) can be assigned to the memorized programs.
• 3.19.3- "DRYING AND PRE-MODELLING" MODE 112 (fig. 30)- In this case, a program compatible with the limits of non-damaging of the hair, has been studied to privileges the sending of high volume of air at high temperature 113 (fig. 30); at the same time, the consequential optimum air generator speed profile and the optimum electric heater (or electric heaters) heating profile is applied. Furthermore, acoustic and / or visual signals 28 (fig. 9) are launched to the operator at the end the program, when the value of humidity compatible with the next modelling phase is reached.
• 3.19.4- "HAIR TREATMENT AND FINAL MODELLING" MODE 114 (fig. 30) - Again, a program compatible with the limits of non-damaging of the hair, but that privileges the sending of low volume of air at low temperature 115 (fig. 30) has been studied; contemporaneously, the consequential optimum speed profile of the air generator and the optimum heating profile of the electric heater (or electric heaters) is applied. At the same time, acoustic and / or visual signals 28 (fig. 9) are launched to the operator at the end of the program, when the pre-calculated ideal value of humidity is reached.
  NOTE: Both the previous options, if necessary, can be previously modified by the selection of a more specific appropriate program memorized in advance; in this case, the temperature and the velocity of the air can be slightly modified by the operator, following the aspects listed below, and previously measured and / or memorised:
  • The thickness of the hair.
  • The chemical composition of the hair.
  • The structure of the hair (hair with glass structure, porous structure or compact structure).
  • The form of the hair (plain, rich, curled).
    On the bases of these data, indications about the more appropriate lotions and treatments are suggested to the operator on the screen; if no alterations are signalled, for simplicity reasons the memorized standard program is carried out. In any case, if necessary, job parameters as the speed of the air generator and / or the temperature of the electric heater (or electric heaters) can be modified, memorized and re-numbered by the operator into the system. For what concern the selection and the diffusion of lotions and products for the care of the hair, the installation of an appropriate dispenser 147 (fig. 8, 38) of products 148 (fig. 38) has been provided; thanks to the data acquired on the hair, the preparation and the diffusion of the appropriate product can be done through a specific piping, possibly installed inside the air ducts of the diffusers 26, 50 (fig. 8).
• 3.19.4- "IDENTIKIT" MODE (fig. 37) - This option has been designed with the aim of inserting the technology derived from the "Identikit" methods into the system; the image of the face 185 (fig. 37) of the customer can be acquired by means of a camera or video camera 186 (fig. 8, 36, 37), and some new kind of shapes 184 (fig. 37) can be overlapped and proposed to the customer, with the intent to help the customer herself (or himself) to choose the more suitable one.

• 3.20.1- FOR HAIRDRESSERS' SHOPS not according to the invention - Three kind of sub-versions are available: THE CEILING STYLE 116 (fig. 31), THE WALL STYLE 117 (fig. 32), THE ARMCHAIR STYLE 118 (fig. 33); as shown in fig. 31, 32, 33, the standard component (this means: the same components but installed in different ways) of a hypothetical equipment version, are the motor air generator 119, the balanced swivel arm and support 120, the rigid piping 121, the flexible piping 42, the diffuser 50, the drying and modelling tools 52, the system of sensors 20 (fig. 8), the "Cold jet" system 23, the electronic control 19 (fig. 8), the screen and the operative terminal 24 (fig. 8).
  NOTE 1- For simplicity reasons, the "Cold jet" system is here represented in the version 95 (fig. 26), described at point 3.13.2.
  NOTE 2- The armchair version 118 (fig. 33) has been worked out for the installation inside modern armchairs and very large armchairs; in this case the motor air generator 119 (fig. 33) is hidden inside the base of the armchair 122 (fig. 33) and the rigid piping components 121 are not required. Moreover, is required a wrapping device 123 (fig. 33) to collect the flexible piping.
• 3.20.2- TEACHING VERSION FOR FASHION SCHOOLS 124 (fig. 34) not according to the invention - This version has been studied for the rapid and efficient installation of modular and non-fixed plants, as the ones for use in teaching; a modular welded rigid structure 125 (fig. 34) with the preassembled connection for the energy supply 126 (fig. 34) has been designed as function of main support, as a substitute of the rigid piping 121.
• 3.20.3- PORTABLE VERSION FOR COMPETITIONS AND EXHIBITIONS 127 (fig. 35) not according to the invention -
  This version is composed by a portable structure, and contains a modified selection of the main components already listed above; for example, for reasons of transportation, the screen 24 (fig. 8) for the management of the job programs has been changed with a hand-held terminal 128 (fig. 35), while the control with sensors is only performed by the manual tool named "conca" 26 (fig. 8, 28).
• 3.20.4- SIMPLIFIED DOMESTIC VERSION- This version derives directly from the "Version for hairdressers' shops", and can be worked out in different ways (with sensors for direct control, with a simplified electronic control for the remote control with sensors etc.), according to the professional degree required.

• The most modern and reliable typology of motor technologies has been used.
• The fan with the best degree of efficiency and efficacy has been tested and then chosen.
• The device for the final diffusion of the air has been strongly improved; hot air is now directly blown near the surface of the scalp. Consequently, wastes of hot air have been reduced.
• The control of the technical parameters of the system has been attributed to a system of sensors, and the human influence on their evaluation has been reduced.
  For the development of the present innovation, the use of up to date, reliable, ready for the market and relatively cheap technologies has been taken into account since the beginning; for example, the apparent high cost of brushless motors is quickly compensated by:

• The general low consumption of energy (three times less that what is consumed in the standard hairdressing devices).
• The long motor lifetime (five times higher that the traditional non-brushless motors).
• The absence of electric servicing (no periodical changes of deteriorated brushes are required).
  At the same time, high job uniformity and high operative safety for customer and operator come out as a consequence of the implementation of an efficient electronic supervisor system, and as a result of the implementation of the system of sensors too. At first sight this usage of technology may appear like a mere addition of costs; on the contrary, in the opinion of the inventors they represent a clever choice of long-term investment.

• Central unit for control and command 19 (fig. 8, 36).
• Devices for the acquisition of the data 106 (fig. 36).
• Instruments for the treatment and the memorizing of the data 131 (fig. 36).
• Software for the treatment of the data 132 (fig. 36).
• Internal data-sheets 133 (fig. 36).

• Governs the whole system 129 (fig. 8, 36) thanks to the means 106 and 131 (fig. 36).
• Acquires and / or memorizes the values read by means of the sensors 20 (fig. 8) and / or acquires and / or memorizes the data inserted by means of the operator etc..
• Makes use of these values, thanks to the means 132 (fig. 36).
• Compares these values with the internal data sheets 133 (fig. 36) etc..
• Maintains the general working conditions of the system inside the pre-settled limits of safety, thanks to the continuous dialogue with the sensors 20 (fig. 8).